SUNDERLAND’S European challenge has convinced owner Ellis Short to sanction more January spending.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce was not expecting to add to his squad this month, knowing that his main transfer targets – either Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia or Aston Villa wideman Stewart Downing – would be unavailable until the summer.

But Sunderland’s charge up the table to sixth place has prompted billionaire owner Short to finance loan moves for Inter’s Ghanaian star Sulley Muntari and Paris St Germain’s Benin international midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.

Sunderland are currently struggling with a lengthy injury list and Short has decided that it is worth dipping into his pocket to ensure that the crisis does not undermine their campaign.

Bruce said: “I wasn’t expecting a busy January, but you’re always looking and if a chance to sign a player like Sulley Muntari comes along, you have to take it.

“The same with Sessegnon – he would light the place up if we can get him here.”

Bruce is trying to land both players on loan for the remainder of the season, but Sunderland will still have to pay hefty loan fees to Inter and PSG. Muntari cost Inter £18m when he joined from Portsmouth in 2008.